Alternating Right Hand Fingers for Classical Guitar

Here are a few lessons on right hand alternation for the classical guitar. This is one of the most important concepts of right hand fingering for classical guitar and essential for beginners to accomplish. Intermediate students should also review this because repeating fingers by accident is such a common intermediate mistake. For more free weekly lessons join the Email Newsletter for updates and please consider donating to the site or sharing this post to support.

In the above video I’m using an example exercise (No. 1 – Right Hand Walking) from my PDF eBook 20 Favorite Exercises for Classical Guitar. It’s a great exercise for working on your fundamental right hand technique. Beginner students should just aim for control and go slowly. Never repeat a finger, always alternate. Advanced students may wish to bring the metronome up to 120 beats tot he quarter note. If you don’t know your finger names on your right hand here they are: i = index; m = middle; a = angular (ring finger); p = thumb

Practicing open string exercises allows you to focus solely on the right hand and really examine your right hand technique. You might think these exercises are easy but you need to ask yourself: Can I play basic exercises as well as a professional guitarist? Could my legato sound be better? Am I truly relaxed and accurate when I play? Always alternate the fingers in all the combos:

Help Support the Site

Support the site. You're reading one of the most popular independent classical guitar publications online. The website, newsletter, and lessons are available to everyone for free. But it’s difficult and expensive work. Corporations and social media have caused falling revenues across the web making it increasingly challenging for independent publishers. If you value the website, newsletter, free lessons, or sheet music, please consider offering your support to keep its future sustainable and secure. – Bradford Werner